Letters to the editor, Huntsville Times, Monday March 28

I struggled with sending a letter to the editor or a personal note to a man I admire very much and have worked closely with in the fight against cancer, Vann Pettaway.

Mark McCarter's column in the Sunday, March 20 Times relating to Vann's great tenure at Alabama A&M spoke to the challenges of coaching at a high level.

I am sure Vann will make the decision that is best for him and all concerned. I hope he stays at Alabama A&M and certainly in this community.

I just wish everyone could know the quiet and gracious man I have observed. You learn a lot about a person in volunteer activities, Vann Pettaway is one who sees what needs to be done and goes and does it. He is a leader, and seeks no credit. His coaching record speaks for itself. More importantly, I suspect, is the very special life values he passed on to the young people in his charge over his many years at Alabama A&M. The parents of those kids were fortunate to have Coach Vann Pettaway leading them.

Gerald G. Tucker

Madison, 35758

NPR threat

Recently I wrote our congressional representatives asking them to continue funding support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Sen. Jeff Sessions responded with a nice letter explaining the importance of controlling the burgeoning expenditures of the federal government. Fair enough, although focusing on an item that is 0.01 percent of the budget is almost comical in its ineffectiveness.

Sen. Sessions then continued with, "Americans are eager for an open and honest debate regarding the direction of their country, and those who attempt to only accept one-sided speech should not do so with taxpayer dollars."

Another fine statement that, it its context, warrants a response. As a conservative, I often disagree with various programs and interviews on NPR and PBS. On the whole, however, I find their coverage to be much more professional, informative, and better balanced than, say, CNN, MSNBC or Fox. Apparently, the senator disagrees and is willing to use budgetary problems to weaken this important public service.

I'm shocked, shocked to find that the good senator is more concerned with politics than with true fiscal reform.